Underwater Camcorder

[Alan the Great]

I'm making an underwater camera to broadcast a live event over the internet, and this is how I'm going to do it (so far).

Tupperware-type box with a lexan window in the lid and one on the front; camera goes in here. Also two holes with rubber gloves attached to manipulate camera.

Aiptek DV5900 Camera attatched to computer with a USB/RJ45 extender; i have researched this and it seems to be the best way to go ~100ft away from a computer.

Windows Media Encoder to put it on the web, live!

So: If any of you have any better ideas how to do this, i'd appreciate you telling me. Keep in mind, the less money spent, the better.

[ninikins]

You're very brave putting this to the test! I wouldn't risk my camera! Good luck with it...hope it goes well.

[Alan the Great]

LOL thanks; i'm buying a cheap camcorder specially for the job. I don't have complete faith in this method either; that's why i'm looking for suggestions here!

[micsaund]

I would not see any issues with this as long as you seal everything up well.

If you're working in highly chlorinated water, like a swimming pool, beware of chemical reactions with the rubber gloves which might cause cracking.

You'll probably get fog on the lexan initially when you submerge the camera, but once the temps equalize, it'll probably be OK.

Another option, would be to use an Otterbox (http://www.otterbox.com/) type setup. They are extremely strong and water-tight and I'm sure you can mod a window into one. However, I'm unsure if it'd be big enough for the glove idea.

Mike

[Alan the Great]

I'm using a different setup now; those waterproof ziplock boxes seem perfect. I noticed that their all over the place as geocaches, and are 100% waterproof, and fairly clear... i'm just putting a webcam in one of those.
It turns out that it only has to float on top of the water, anyways.

[Alan the Great]

I found a setup that works; i'm actually posting from the event right now.
Starting at about 6:00 - 6:15 PM Pacific time, go to emailsfromanut.com and click the "live webcast of squid of la mancha" link near the top left corner.
Click the squid on the page it gets you to.
It'll bring up Windows Media Player, and it'll do the connecting/buffering thing.
When it's playing, the screen will go black for about 5-20 seconds and then start playing audio and video, streamed live from Victoria, BC!

[palefrost]

What about the moisture factor? That didnt play into it? I know once my brother on vacation was using the camcorder in the bathroom while the shower was running *dont ask* and the whole thing shut down. What was really funny was it wasnt his corder it was our fathers and he was scared shit he had to give it back with the film still jammed inside LOL.

[Alan the Great]

This is the setup I used (see pictures)
http://img379.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0032aj3.jpg
http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0033ee4.jpg
http://img388.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0034ew5.jpg
http://img176.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0035yl9.jpg
There was a bit of liquid in the case at the end of the show, but that could be fixed with more duct tape and Supra Expert glue. This would make a great rain proof case for a surveillance cam, etc.
Or, of course, videotaping an absolute nut putting on "squid of la mancha" underwater in a pool in front of TV cameras.

[micsaund]

LOL - Duct tape for teh win!!!1!
;)

Mike

[Alan the Great]

101 duc7 74p3 !5 73h 1337Xx0rz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111111111!!

[ninikins]

How is the camera coming along? Are we goign to see some footage filmed with it soon??

[Alan the Great]

Yes; if you didn't see the live webcast (which is likely, considering the quality of internet i got there.... they got bitchy if you tried to plug in, and the wi fi sucked) then i will soon put up the video.